How do you keep the ministry PEOPLE focused verse PROGRAM focus

People Over Programs: One-to-One Leadership That Keeps Small Groups Relational Pastor Steve Gladen and Derek Olson discuss how small group ministry can drift from being people-focused to program-focused, and argue the most important question is how to keep relationships central. Steve emphasizes the power of one-to-one connection and offers practical ways to reach people beyond email, including texting, calling (with a heads-up text), being present to connect in person at church, sending notes, and even doing brief “pop-bys” with a small gift to create face-to-face contact. Once connected, he shares the SPEAK acrostic for knowing someone personally:Story, Passions, Encouragement (including love languages and key dates), Abilities (including the Benjamin Franklin effect), and Knowledge. He also introduces the “four helpful lists” for improving ministry: what’s working, what’s wrong, what’s confusing, and what’s missing. They close by promoting the May Lobby Gathering event for small group leaders. 00:00 Welcome to SG Squared 01:11 Episode Preview 02:05 People Over Programs 03:01 Power of One to One 05:17 How to Reach People 06:29 Lobby Lurker and Pop By 10:43 SPEAK Acrostic 12:47 Encouragement and Dates 14:57 Abilities and Franklin Effect 19:23 Four Helpful List 23:14 Final Challenge and Wrap 25:18 Lobby Gathering Invite 26:59

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How do you keep the ministry PEOPLE focused verse PROGRAM focus is an episode from Group Talk - Small Group Network by Small Group Network.

This episode is 27:19 long.

This episode was published on Apr 1, 2026.

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